Is Dengue vector control deficient in effectiveness or evidence?: Systematic review and meta-analysis

There is currently scarce reliable evidence on the effectiveness of any Dengue vector control strategy.

Dengue is the most widespread mosquito-borne arboviral disease and vector control methods are the main approach to prevent it. This study reviewed the evidence for effectiveness of vector control methods in reducing Dengue transmission. Most studies investigated combined approaches, only nine were randomised controlled trials but none of them assessed the effectiveness of insecticide spraying, which is the first choice of preventive strategy worldwide. The review found that house screening and combined community-based environmental management and water container covers reduced the risk of Dengue. Skin repellents, mosquito traps and bed nets had no effect. Insecticide aerosols and mosquito coils were associated with higher risk of Dengue. The review included 41 studies, 19 were eligible for meta-analysis, out of the 960 found through database search. The author reported that overall the quality of the eligible studies was poor.

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